Between San Diego & Tijuana Is A Charming City With Bayside Parks, Tasty Eats, & Family Fun

Typically, planning a visit to Southern California means heading to LA, San Diego, or other coastal cities like Santa Barbara. However, the fact is that there are tons of great options all the way down to the U.S.-Mexico border, where you'll find charming cities like Chula Vista. Situated about 10 miles south of San Diego and 9 miles from Tijuana, this city is something of a hidden gem compared to its more famous neighbors.

Although Chula Vista doesn't actually border the Pacific Ocean, it does border the San Diego Bay, and it's easy enough to access beaches like Coronado Beach or Silver Strand State Beach. Or, you can drive just 16 miles north to one of California's best hidden beaches for a coastal escape: Sunset Cliffs Beach. Plus, you can view the bay from Chula Vista's scenic parks overlooking the water, adding to the city's charm.

But the fun doesn't stop there. Chula Vista is also home to some notable family-friendly attractions, such as the Living Coast Discovery Center and Sesame Place, where kids can meet their favorite "Sesame Street" characters. Finally, on top of all that, you're still in Southern California, meaning the dining scene is packed with Mexican flavors and casual favorites. So, let's head down toward the border and see what Chula Vista is all about.

While cities like LA have world-famous theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios, Chula Vista is still a great place for families to have a blast. If your little ones are into nature, the Living Coast Discovery Center allows them to see various animals up close and learn more about their habitats. It's also part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, featuring the Sweetwater Marsh, where you can see local flora and fauna. The city is full of even more great parks, including Bayside Park, which has a sand beach, walking trails, and a playground. Or, on the opposite side of the city, you can roam around Mountain Hawk Park, which borders Lower Otay Lake and features picnic areas and a splash pad.

For families who love thrills and excitement, Sesame Place is the premier water park in the area. Not only can you take advantage of numerous slides and rides, but there's also a wave pool with a sandy beach. Plus, getting to see so many "Sesame Street" characters is sure to be a memorable experience. And depending on when you go, you can enjoy holiday-themed decor and events, such as The Count's Halloween Spooktacular.

If your kids aren't into "Sesame Street," though, there are other ways to ramp up the excitement. On the eastern side of town, there are three attractions next to each other. First, there's K1 Speed, where you can go head to head on a go-kart track. Next, there's Play City, an indoor playground where your little ones can run wild. Finally, Sky Zone Trampoline Park lets you soar high and get an entertaining workout with trampolines, a zip line, and foam pits.

Since San Diego is so close, the best way to reach Chula Vista is to fly into one of the most beautiful airports in the world, San Diego International (SAN). While in San Diego, you can explore some of the world-renowned highlights of the city, such as Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, one of California's top 10 tourist spots worth visiting. But the advantage of staying in a suburb like Chula Vista is that you can find a variety of family-friendly hotels at affordable rates. Or, you can browse through numerous vacation rentals to have more flexibility when planning your trip. 

Another point to consider is that, since you're so close to the Mexican border, you can get some of the best Mexican dishes in the area. For example, if you want to start the day with a spicy bang, you can head over to Talavera Azul for breakfast and brunch favorites like chilaquiles or omelets. Or, check out El Patio, which has been serving the community for over 70 years. And if you're hungry late at night, Roberto's Taco Shop is open 24 hours with a drive-thru, making it a convenient option. Finally, if you prefer to eat while looking out over the water, try the Galley next to Bayside Park, which features daily specials; live music; and casual food for all ages, including hot dogs, tacos, burgers, and more.